Club Car has announced the launch of its first new golf car since the popular ‘DS‘ model was introduced in 1980. From concept to launch, the ‘Precedent‘ has been in development for 5 years and comes as a direct response to the needs of industry professionals and golfers worldwide.
During development the project was known as ‘Cleansheet‘, which reflects the open-minded attitude Club Car took to re-evaluating the golf car business. “Every advancement to the golf car to this point has been evolutionary. Precedent is revolutionary,” explains Phil Trailes, president and CEO of Club Car Inc. “We believe this car will be the standard for excellence that all future cars will be judged by. That is why it is called ‘Precedent‘.”
The immediate visible difference between Precedent and other golf cars is the styling. The rounded front gives the car a contemporary, sleek look, but the differences go far beyond mere aesthetics. Precedent is intended to be stronger and more durable, easier to service, more agile and comfortable than any golf car before.
Emphasis at design stage was also placed on reducing the cost of ownership. This has been achieved through the introduction of vast improvements to the Precedent’s build and structure.
The construction of the Precedent uses fewer parts than ever before. This means it is easy to inspect, service and clean the components, hence increasing the life of the car. Another change that contributes to improved performance and efficiency, as well as simplifying maintenance, is the use of 4 12v batteries as opposed to the standard 6 8v batteries. The battery is lighter and more powerful than before, which results in more rounds of golf per charge.
Robert Drewery, marketing director of Club Car Europe believes that the Precedent will make a great impact on the golf courses in the UK and Europe. “We are really excited by Precedent. It has an elegant, modern look that appeals to golfers and golf industry professionals are drawn to it because it is an incredibly easy, cost effective machine to maintain,” he said.
Trials carried out at courses in the US in 2003 have been extremely successful and have contributed to the final design, which will be formally launched at the 2004 PGA Merchandise Show. There will, however, be an opportunity to see the Precedent at BTME in Harrogate. The first Precedent cars will be available for delivery from March 2004.
Club Car www.clubcar.com
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